Climate Change and the Environment

Climate change is real and we need to take immediate action. Dramatic, destructive weather systems and forest fires have grabbed the attention of our nation and the world, while the impacts of climate change run exponentially wider than that. From species extinction to oceanic ecosystems collapse, communities across America deserve to understand how their region’s forests, water resources, agricultural industries, and native species held dear will be impacted. Here in the 8th, we will see more wildfires, earlier growing seasons, reduced snowpack, warmer temperatures in our tributaries, a spike in waterborne infectious diseases affecting fish, and species extinction. We have the unique opportunity to champion policies that will create new, sustainable, clean energy jobs and grow our economy.

As a person of science, I will apply evidence-based principles and methods to my evaluation of environmental policy and regulation and insist that our government agencies do the same. As a pediatrician who understands the negative impacts of polluted water and air on the health of our children, I will fight any effort to reduce or eliminate clean air and clean water protections.

I will protect access to our public lands.

I will champion responsible and effective action to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change impacts.

I will refocus subsidies away from oil and gas companies and toward clean energy to promote the transition to a 100% clean energy economy within our lifetime.

I will advocate for innovative approaches of local organizations like the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy and Carbon Washington to make the transition to 100% clean energy.

I will focus resources on people most dramatically affected by climate change, including lower-income communities, farming communities, and communities of color.